An investigative committee has concluded that poor weather conditions caused the helicopter crash in Ghana that killed eight people, including Defense Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed. The Z9 military helicopter crashed in a dense forest while flying from Accra to Obuasi in August. Investigators found the aircraft lost altitude and lift due to a downdraft.
The two-month probe involved Ghanaian authorities, American aviation experts, and assistance from the helicopter's Chinese manufacturer. Captain Paul Forjoe, who led the investigation, stated the 13-year-old aircraft was airworthy but lacked modern navigational aids, like a terrain awareness and warning system. The report recommended fleet modernization for the Ghana Air Force. The passengers were traveling to an event regarding illegal mining.
The two-month probe involved Ghanaian authorities, American aviation experts, and assistance from the helicopter's Chinese manufacturer. Captain Paul Forjoe, who led the investigation, stated the 13-year-old aircraft was airworthy but lacked modern navigational aids, like a terrain awareness and warning system. The report recommended fleet modernization for the Ghana Air Force. The passengers were traveling to an event regarding illegal mining.
